And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. v1

In this Chapter, we really see the Apostle John describe Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) The theme which he introduced in his gospel by inspiration of the Holy Spirit

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

And notice the reference to the “right hand” this is always symbolic of all power and authority

 

Notice 7 Seals, again the number 7 which is symbolic for completion. These seals are going to begin the judgement of the world

Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. v2-3

The time has come to open the “Book of Life” is your name written in it? As we will learn more later, only those whos name has not been removed from the Book of Life will inherit eternal life. Notice nobody’s name is added to the Book of Life only removed. Meaning we are born innocent (children, mentally disabled) until we become corrupted with sin

Nobody is worthy to open this Book of Life or the Seven Seals, in Heaven and on Earth, except One (Jesus Christ)

Another note is the scroll, is like a contract, and it has 7 seals, which are the 7 judgements, that will be opened only by Christ

so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth Philippians 2:10

So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” v4-5

Apostle John begins to weep because Nobody is worthy to open the Book of Life or the 7 Seals, however an elder in Heaven reminds John, that Jesus Christ is worthy and able!

Notice the titles given to Jesus “Lion of Judah” and “Root of David”

The Lion of Judah was a prophecy fortold by Jacob to his Son Judah. His son Judah would have a tribe and the Scepter (King of Kings) would come from the line. Notable King David was from this line and then the King of Kings Jesus Christ

Jesus first came as the Lamb and now he is coming back as the Lion to restore Gods Kingdom!

Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Genesis 49:9-10

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. v6

The Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ. Notice Christ is displayed as being slayed. Jesus Christ is worthy to open the Book of Life and the 7 Seals because he defeated Sin and Death at the Cross

Also the Holy Spirit (7 Spirits of God) which is described as 7 horns (power and authority) and 7 eyes (all seeing) with also with the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and The Father is at the throne. An amazing scene of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all together at Once!

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. v7-8

Notice in this scene “He (Jesus) came and took the book out of the right hand of Him (Father) who sat on the throne

We also see again the 24 Elders and 4 Living Creatures, all fell down (worshipped) The Lamb Jesus Christ

An amazing scene of all authority and power given to Jesus Christ! Notice everyone bows before The Lamb (Jesus) Anyone who tells you Jesus shouldn’t be worshipped needs to study this Chapter!

Another observation, all the prayers of Saints (Christians) are incense to God. Every time you heartfully pray, you are sending up sweet aroma (incense) to God

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” v9-10

The worship service for Jesus Christ continues, as all 24 elders and 4 living creatures, all bow down and worship Jesus , while singing a beautiful song! As the blood of Jesus Christ has delivered us all , allowed us to join Gods Kingdom, and become priests for God!

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:11-12

The worship service just got larger, as myriads of myriads (countless) number of angels surround Jesus and worship him, and sing the beautiful song “Worthy is the Lamb”!

The Lamb of God , which was prophesied by Isaiah over 700 years before Christ was born!

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth Isaiah 53:7

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. v13-14

The worship service just continues to grow and grow, as not only is all of Heaven worshipping Jesus Christ, but now everything that was created in heaven, Earth, and even under the earth!

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11

What a powerful scene and Chapter! There are a couple things you can take way from this Chapter.

• We see the confirmation of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as three distinct persons all at the throne
• Jesus Christ redeemed all of humanity who accepts him at the cross and will reestablish Gods Kingdom
• Jesus is worthy and will be worshiped and praised everywhere by everyone and everything!